United News of Bangladesh

The positive trend in remittance inflows has continued into April, with Bangladeshi expatriates living in different countries sending US$2.12 billion in the first 19 days of April, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank. This marks a significant surge compared to the same period last year, when inflows stood at $1.71 billion. This year’s figures show an increase of $408 million. Central bank sources noted that this momentum follows a record-breaking performance in March 2026, which saw the highest single-month remittance inflow in the country’s history. In March, expatriates sent a staggering $3.75 billion. Previous record highs include $3.29 billion in March 2025, $3.22 billion in December 2025, and $3.17 billion in January 2026. Analysts attribute the surge in part to ongoing tensions and instability in the Middle East, which have affected global foreign exchange markets. The crisis has increased demand for the US dollar internationally, leading to a rise in the dollar's exchange rate against the local currency. Consequently, expatriates are receiving a higher value in Taka for every dollar sent home. While the high inflow provides a boost to the economy, economists warn that a prolonged Middle East crisis could pose risks to Bangladesh, similar to other global economies. Experts have advised the government to focus on maintaining a robust foreign exchange reserve to mitigate potential future shocks.

Bangladesh’s remittance inflow reached US$1.96 billion in the first 18 days of April, showing a continued upward trend and is projected to surpass $3.0 billion by the end of the month. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank (BB), expatriates sent $1.96 billion during April 1–18, compared to $1.69 billion during the same period last year. This represents a 16.2 percent year-on-year increase for the period. In the current fiscal year (FY2025–26), total remittance inflows from July to April 18 stood at $28.17 billion, up from $23.47 billion in the same period of FY2024–25. This reflects a growth of around 20 percent year-on-year. Analysts and central bank officials attribute this strong and ‘unusual’ growth to several factors, including a more stable US dollar exchange rate, higher incomes of expatriates in developed economies, and a steady global economic recovery. Officials from the Finance Ministry and Bangladesh Bank expressed optimism about the trend, noting that the sustained rise in remittance inflows will help ease foreign exchange pressures and support stability in the country’s currency market.  

Bangladesh recorded an upward trend in remittance inflows receiving more than $1.6 billion in the first 14 days of April, with the total expected to exceed $3 billion by the end of the month. According to the latest data of Bangladesh Bank, expatriates sent $1.6 billion during April 1–14, compared with $1.28 billion in the same period last year, marking a 25.2 percent increase. In the current fiscal year (FY2025–26), cumulative remittance inflows from July to April 14 reached $27.81 billion, up from $23.06 billion during the corresponding period of FY2024–25. This represents a year-on-year growth of 20.06 percent. Analysts and central bank officials attributed the strong growth to several factors including a stable US dollar exchange rate, higher earnings among expatriates in developed economies and a gradual recovery in the global economy.  

Remittance inflows into Bangladesh have witnessed a massive surge, recording a staggering 353.3 percent growth in the first five days of April 2026. In comparison to the same period last year 2025, providing a major boost to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and macroeconomic stability. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, expatriate Bangladeshis sent US$540 million between April 1 and April 5. In contrast, the remittance inflow stood at only $119 million during the corresponding period in 2025. Remittance hits record $3.75b in March The data further revealed that on April 5 alone, the country received $201 million in remittances in a single day. Analysts and central bank officials attribute this ‘unusual’ growth to several factors, including a stabilized US dollar exchange rate, the rising income of expatriates in developed economies, and a steady global economic recovery. Official figures show that the cumulative remittance inflow from July to April of the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26) has reached $26.74 billion. This marks a 22.1 percent increase from the $21,904 million recorded during the same period in the previous fiscal year. Finance Ministry and Bangladesh Bank officials expressed optimism that this positive trend in expatriate income will play a crucial role in mitigating foreign exchange shortages and maintaining a stable exchange rate.

Remittance inflows to Bangladesh reached a record $3.75 billion in March, 2026, marking the highest monthly earnings since the country’s independence. According to data released by Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday, expatriate Bangladeshis sent home $3.755 billion during the month. The surge, largely driven by increased transfers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, has provided a significant boost to the country’s external financial position. According to central bank data, the March figures show a 14 percent increase compared to the same month last year. This surge is attributed to increased expatriate spending during Ramadan-Eid-Ul-Fitr and heightened tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which prompted non-resident Bangladeshis to send more funds home. Previously, the record for the highest monthly remittance was set in March last year at $3.29 billion. Other notable milestones include $3.22 billion in December 2025 and $3.17 billion in January 2026. Total remittance inflows during the July–March period of the fiscal year stood at $26.20 billion, registering a 20.3 percent growth from $21.78 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Sector insiders noted that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East has led to a more favourable exchange rate for the US dollar against the local Taka, further incentivising expatriates to send money through formal channels. Despite the satisfactory inflow, economists have warned of potential shocks to the national economy if the regional conflict escalates. In a recent meeting with Bangladesh Bank, eight prominent economists advised the central bank to prioritise the preservation of foreign exchange reserves. The experts emphasised that while the full extent of the global crisis remains unclear, any prolonged conflict will inevitably put pressure on the dollar and national reserves. They cautioned against adjusting policy interest rates prematurely and suggested that initiatives to lower bank lending rates should only be considered once the current inflationary pressures subside.

Bangladesh’s remittance inflows have reached a historic high, recording US $3.62 billion in the first 30 days of March 2026. This surge, fueled by expatriates' increasing transfers ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, has pushed the foreign exchange reserves to a robust $34.05 billion. The March figure marks a significant 10.7 percent growth compared to the $3.27 billion received during the same period in 2025. This record-breaking performance in March 2026 contributes to an exceptional trajectory for the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26). Cumulative remittance from July 2025 to March 28, 2026, has reached $26.07 billion, a staggering 19.8 percent increase over the $21.76 billion recorded during the corresponding period of FY 2024-25. Central bank officials attribute this record-breaking trend to the government's 2.5 percent cash incentive on formal banking channels, which has effectively discouraged the informal "hundi" system. Bolstered by the influx of foreign currency, Bangladesh’s gross foreign exchange reserves rose to $34.05 billion as of March 30, 2026. Under the IMF’s BPM6 manual, the reserves stood at $29.35 billion. This is a slight adjustment from mid-month figures, where gross reserves peaked at $34.22 billion on March 16. The surge was most concentrated in the first half of the month, with expatriates sending home $2.20 billion in just the first 14 days—a 35.7 percent jump compared to the previous year. Industry insiders noted that Non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) traditionally ramp up transfers during Ramadan to support family festival expenses, providing a vital seasonal boost to the national economy. Economists suggest that if this momentum continues, total remittance for FY 2025-26 will likely surpass all previous annual records. Such a milestone would further stabilize the exchange rate of the Taka and ease pressure on the country’s balance of payments amidst ongoing global economic volatility.

Bangladesh’s remittance inflows have maintained a powerful upward trajectory, recording US $3.33 billion in the first 28 days of March 2026, as expatriates increase transfers ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. Blessing on the remittance inflow, the gross foreign exchange reserve of Bangladesh increased to $33.99 billion, while, as per the IMF standard of BPM6, the reserves stood at $29.29 billion on March 29, 2026. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank (BB), this figure represents a 3.8 percent growth compared to the $3.2 billion received during the same period in March 2025. The current fiscal year, FY 2025-26, continues to set new records for the country. Cumulative remittance from July 2025 to March 28, 2026, has reached $25.78 billion. This marks a significant 18.8 percent increase over the $21.69 billion recorded during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year FY 2024-25. Central bank officials attribute this surge to the government's 2.5 percent cash incentive on money sent through formal banking channels, which has successfully discouraged the use of the informal "hundi" system. The surge was particularly concentrated in the first half of the month. Expatriate workers sent home $2.20 billion in the first 14 days of March alone—a massive 35.7 percent jump compared to the $1.62 billion received during the same timeframe in 2025. Industry insiders noted that the flow remained steady between March 16 and March 23, with an additional $392 million entering the country. Non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) traditionally ramp up transfers during Ramadan to help families cover festival expenses, providing a seasonal boost to the economy. The steady growth in foreign currency is providing a critical lifeline to the nation’s foreign exchange reserves amidst global economic volatility. As of March 16, 2026, Bangladesh’s gross reserves stood at $34.22 billion, while net reserves as per IMF BPM-6 stood at $29.52 billion. Economists suggest that if this trend continues, the total remittance for FY 2025-26 could surpass previous annual records, further stabilizing the exchange rate of the Taka and easing pressure on the balance of payments.

Bangladesh’s remittance inflows have maintained a powerful upward trajectory, recording $3.05 billion in the first 24 days of March 2026, as expatriates increased transfers ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank (BB), this figure represents a robust 10.9 percent growth compared to the $2.74 billion received during the same period in March 2025. It is also the fastest time period in a month that the monthly remittance figure has crossed the $3 billion mark.  The current fiscal year FY 2025-26 continues to set new records for the country. Cumulative remittance from July 2025 to March 24, 2026, has reached $25.5 billion. This marks a significant 20.1 percent increase over the $21.23 billion recorded during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year FY 2024-25. Central bank officials attribute this surge to the government's 2.5 percent cash incentive on money sent through formal banking channels, which has successfully discouraged the use of the informal "hundi" system. The surge was particularly concentrated in the first half of the month. Expatriate workers sent home $2.20 billion in the first 14 days of March alone—a massive 35.7 percent jump compared to the $1.62 billion received during the same timeframe in 2025. Industry insiders noted that the flow remained steady between March 16 and March 23, with an additional $392 million entering the country. Non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) traditionally ramp up transfers during Ramadan to help families cover festival expenses, providing a seasonal boost to the economy. The steady growth in foreign currency is providing a critical lifeline to the nation’s foreign exchange reserves amidst global economic volatility. As of March 16, 2026, Bangladesh’s gross reserves stood at $34.22 billion, while net reserves as per IMF BPM-6 stood at $29.52 billion. Economists suggest that if this trend continues, the total remittance for FY 2025-26 could surpass previous annual records, further stabilizing the exchange rate of the Taka and easing pressure on the balance of payments.

Bangladesh’s remittance inflows have maintained a powerful upward trajectory during Eid-Ul Fitr, recording a robust 7.4 percent monthly growth in 23 days of March 2026, compared to the same period last year.  According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank (BB), expatriates sent US$ 2.82 billion to Bangladesh during the first 23 days of March, up from $2.63 billion in 2025. The current fiscal year FY 2025-26 continues to set new benchmarks. Cumulative remittance from July 2025 to March 23, 2026, reached $25.28 billion, representing a significant 19.7 percent growth over the $21.12 billion recorded during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The surge was particularly visible in the first half of the month. Expatriate workers sent home $2.20 billion in the first 14 days of March alone, marking a massive 35.7 percent jump compared to the $1.62 billion received during the same timeframe in 2025. Between March 16 and March 23, an additional $392 million flowed into the country as non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) increased transfers ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. The steady growth in foreign currency is providing a critical lifeline to the nation’s forex reserves. As of March 16, 2026, gross reserves stood at $34.22 billion. Under the IMF’s BPM-6 calculation method, net reserves are currently valued at $29.52 billion.

The deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, driven by conflict among Iran, Israel, and the United States, has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Bangladesh’s $13.5 billion in remittance earnings from the region, experts and sector stakeholders said. Following military strikes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, the escalating tension in the Gulf region is causing widespread instability in labour markets, aviation, and employment, directly impacting millions of Bangladeshi expatriates. The conflict has already turned tragic for the Bangladeshi migrants. Reports indicate that at least three Bangladeshi nationals have been killed and seven others injured in the crossfire of the regional conflict. Specifically, casualties have been reported in the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The crisis has also crippled the movement of workers. Since late February, approximately 300 flights from Dhaka and Chattogram to Gulf destinations have been cancelled over 9 days following the onset of the conflict. An estimated 55,000 passengers, mostly migrant workers, are stranded, said Reaz-ul-Islam, senior vice president, BAIRA and proprietor of Reaz Overseas. This disruption poses a double threat; workers on leave are unable to return to their jobs, while thousands of new recruits face the expiration of their entry visas, risking the loss of their life savings invested in migration, he said. Bangladesh receives $2.2 billion in remittances in 14 days of March The Middle East is the heart of Bangladesh’s foreign exchange earnings. Data from the Bangladesh Bank reveals that nearly half of the country's total remittance is sourced from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. In 2025, Bangladesh recorded a historic high of $32.8 billion in total remittances. Over $13.5 billion of this inflow came exclusively from the Middle East, where more than 4.5 million Bangladeshis are currently employed. Analysts warn that if the war persists, the growth trajectory of the past year will be impossible to maintain. Comparative Impact: 2025 vs. Potential 2026 Indicator FY 2024-25 (Actual) FY 2025-26 (Projected/Risk) Total Global Remittance $32.8 Billion $28.5 - $30.0 Billion (Estimated) Middle East Share 45.40% Projected to dip below 40% if war persists New Labor Export 1.1 Million Workers 30% reduction expected due to flight bans The Strategic Importance of Saudi Arabia and the UAE: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses a direct threat to the two largest sources of foreign exchange for Bangladesh. The largest labor market in Saudi Arabia remains the single most important destination for Bangladeshi migrants, hosting over 2.5 million workers. In the Fiscal Year 2024-25, Saudi Arabia contributed approximately $6.5 billion to the national exchequer. The conflict has led to a slowdown in infrastructure projects and the service sector in the Kingdom. If the war escalates, new recruitment under the "Vision 2030" plan—which many Bangladeshi workers were expected to join—could be delayed or suspended. Remittance inflow crosses $2 billion in just 18 days of February The high-value hub, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the second-largest contributor, often competing closely with Saudi Arabia due to its diverse job market in construction, hospitality, and retail. The UAE contributed over $4.8 billion in the last fiscal year. As a major global transit and trade hub, the UAE's economy is highly sensitive to regional security. The recent flight cancellations (over 300 in the last nine days) have hit the UAE routes the hardest, preventing thousands of workers from returning to their duties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Economists’ warnings and policy recommendations: In a high-level meeting with Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman, eight of the country’s top economists urged the central bank to prepare for a "major shock." Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, former chief economist of Bangladesh Bank, told UNB that they recommended: Anti-Hundi Measures: Strengthening the crackdown on illegal money transfer channels to ensure every dollar enters through formal banking routes. Crisis Committee: Forming a special task force under the central bank to monitor geopolitical developments and make rapid policy adjustments. Labor Diversification: Urgently searching for new labor markets outside the Middle East and focusing on exporting skilled manpower to less volatile regions. "A prolonged war will lead to job cuts and reduced wages as businesses in the Gulf face stagnation," noted Asif Munier, an immigration expert. Similarly, Shariful Islam Hasan, currently oversees the BRAC Migration Programme, highlighted the financial ruin facing workers who have already invested Tk 3-4 lakh each to go abroad but are now stuck due to flight cancellations. Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury expressed grave concern over the situation. Speaking in Sylhet, he stated that while a dip in remittance is likely if the conflict lingers, the government’s "highest priority" is the safety of citizens abroad. "We are providing logistical support and medical assistance to the injured. If the situation worsens further, we are prepared to consider large-scale repatriation," the Minister added. Bangladesh’s forex reserves surge past $34 billion driven by remittance boom With the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector and remittances being the two lungs of the Bangladeshi economy, a "shock" to the Middle East labor market could pressure the national foreign exchange reserves and destabilize macroeconomic balance. The Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) has warned that new recruitment may come to a standstill if regional security is not restored soon.